Consultant for the GCF Readiness Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working to encourage sustainable practices across various sectors. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, collaborating with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges. UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a strategic partnership between UNEP and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors, shaping the sustainable finance agenda for over 32 years. UNEP FI aims to align the financial sector with sustainable development goals, promoting responsible investment and financing practices that contribute to environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for the GCF Readiness Project involves supporting the alignment of financial flows in Panama's financial sector with the Paris Agreement climate change goals. The consultant will work remotely and is expected to manage and oversee the development of pilot projects for Sustainable Finance Taxonomies in Panama. This role requires close collaboration with the Project Coordinator and technical teams, ensuring timely execution of project milestones, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring progress against objectives. The consultant will assist in financial and operational management activities, provide technical inputs, and contribute to the overall success of the GCF Readiness Project, which aims to mobilize private capital towards a low-emission and climate-resilient economy while strengthening the resilience of the financial system to climate-related risks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including assisting the Project Coordinator with financial and project management activities, liaising with government agencies and stakeholders, supporting procurement processes, reviewing deliverables, processing payments, and ensuring project outputs align with project documents. The consultant will also conduct research, draft correspondence, maintain communication with event counterparts, and prepare reports on project progress. Specific outputs include inception reports, pilot test results for banks and insurance companies, gap analysis, implementation guidance, and training workshop reports. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNEP Programme Management Officer and will report directly to the LAC Policy Lead.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, business administration, political science, engineering, or related fields. Additionally, at least three years of professional experience in project management within UN-related projects or international development organizations is required. Candidates should also have at least one year of experience in policy-oriented work related to climate change, environment, or natural resources in Panama. Proficiency in project management, client communication, and policy analysis is essential.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, finance, business administration, political science, or engineering is mandatory for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of sustainable finance and environmental policy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in project management, particularly within UN-related projects or reputable international organizations. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of experience in policy-oriented work focusing on climate change, environmental issues, or natural resource management in Panama. This experience is crucial for effectively navigating the challenges and opportunities within the financial sector in relation to sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of additional United Nations languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months, with a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will be compensated according to the United Nations standards, and there are no fees associated with the recruitment process. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including national consultants and government representatives, to ensure the successful implementation of the GCF Readiness Project in Panama.